An EU ban on conventional battery cages is due to enter into force with effect from 1 January 2012, in line with Directive 1999/74/EC on minimum standards for laying hens. My Department is working with laying hen producers and the poultry industry to ensure that the 1 January deadline is adhered to and that the phasing out of conventional systems to other systems will be as smooth as possible. A Poultry Welfare Scheme to assist producers in complying with the requirements of the Directive is currently in operation. The scheme provides a total of €16 million to producers to assist in the conversion to enriched cages, free range or barn systems.